Title: BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake ![Living area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/106000000/105360000/105355000/105354950/a48c2b64.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Living area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/106000000/105360000/105355000/105354950/23f327c4.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/106000000/105360000/105355000/105354950/w2036h1359x0y0-5fdf729f.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/106000000/105360000/105355000/105354950/4f34e500.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![3 bedrooms, travel cot, WiFi, bed sheets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/106000000/105360000/105355000/105354950/6ed0e8fa.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Escape to the tranquil charm of Thayer Lake at Birch Cottage, where modern comforts meet lakeside serenity. Enjoy shared frontage to the lake, access to kayaks and canoes, and a private sandy beach for fishing enthusiasts. Relax with your own bonfire pit, outdoor seating area and grill or unwind indoors with an in-unit washer and dryer. 9.8 Exceptional ### Entire home 3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8 ## Popular amenities - Dryer - Washer - Barbecue grill - Kitchen - Air conditioning ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake Discover the perfect blend of lakeside charm and the modern ambiance of Alden, MI. Conveniently located between Traverse City and Charlevoix Michigan, check out our updated Birch Cottage. This 3 bed/2 bath home features every modern amenity to comfort you and your guests. With direct shared frontage to Thayer Lake, you’ll enjoy a secret paradise for fisherman. The Cottage comes with shared use of our guest kayaks, canoes and access to our private sandy beach. You can see the lake from the kitchen and patio. As an added convenience, guests can utilize their own in-unit washer and dryer. The living room features the added bonus of a queen sleeper sofa for additional guests. Relax outdoors with your private bonfire pit, outdoor seating and grill. ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in the house: WiFi ### Kitchen - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Hob - Microwave - Oven - Refrigerator - Toaster ### Bedrooms - 3 bedrooms - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 2 bathrooms - Bathtub or shower - Hair dryer - Shampoo - Shower - Soap - Toilet paper - Towels provided ### Outdoor areas - Barbecue grill ### Laundry - Laundry facilities - Washing machine ### Comfort - Air conditioning - Heating ### Pets - No pets allowed ### Suitability/Accessibility - Smoke-free property ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector) - Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM Minimum check-in age - 21 ### Check-out Check-out before 11:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions ### Pets Pets not allowed ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking is not permitted ## Important information ### You need to know This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking. Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation ## About the area Alden is home to this holiday home. Twisted Fish Gallery and Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Elk Rapids District Library and Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall. [Visit our Alden travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Alden.dx3000421288) [View more Holiday homes in Alden](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Alden-Private-Holiday-Homes.d3000421288-aaPrivateHolidayHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6¢er=44.923428,-85.284676&zoom=13&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&path=color:0xFFFFF|weight:2|fillcolor:0x005AEB7F|enc:o%7EeqGfdpgO%3FW%3FU%3FU%40U%3FU%40U%40U%40U%40UBU%40U%40SBUBUBUBSBUDUBSDUDSBUDQDSFUDSFSFSDQFSFSFQFQHQFQHSFQHOHQHQHOHOHQJMJOHOJOJMHOLKHOLMJMJKJMLKJKLKLILMJILILILILINGLILGLGNGLGLENGLENENCLENELCNCNCNALCNANANAN%3FNAL%3FN%3FN%3FN%3FN%40N%3FN%40L%40N%40NBL%40NDN%40NBLDNDNBLDNDLFNDLFLFNFLFLHLFNHJHLHLHLHLLJHLJLJJJLLJJJLJLJNJJJNJLJNHNJNHNHNHNJNHPHPFNHPFRHPFPFPHPFRFRDPFRDRFRDTDRDPDTDRBTDRBTBTBRBTBTBTBR%40V%40R%40TBT%3FT%40T%40T%3FT%40T%3FT%3FV%3FT%3FTAT%3FTATAT%3FTCTATARAVCRCTCTCTCRCTCTERCTERETEPERETGRERGREPGRGRIPGPGPIPGRIPGNIPIPKNINININKNIPKLKLKNKLKLKLKLKJMLKJMJMJKHMLMHMHMHKHOHMFMHMFOFMFMFODMFODMDOBODMDOBO%40ODM%40OBO%40M%40O%40O%40O%3FO%3FO%3FO%3FM%3FO%3FOAOAOAOAMCOAOCOCMCOEMEOCOEMEOGMEMGOGMGMGMIOGMIMIMIMIKIMMMIMKKKMKKMKKKMMMIMMMIOKMKMIQKOKMIQIOIOIQIQIOGQISGQIQGQGQGSGSEQGSGSESGUESEQCUESEUCSEUCUCSCUCUCUASAUCUAUAUAUAU%3FUAU%3FU%3FU%3FU&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=VRgH6on6os68c8RKQclwi2N-6gc=) Alden, MI ### What's nearby - Torch Lake - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles - Clam River - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles - Clam Lake - 3 min drive - 2.1 miles - Torch Lake Park - 9 min drive - 4.9 miles - Lake Bellaire - 12 min drive - 5.2 miles ### Getting around - Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 40 min drive ### Restaurants - ‪Oasis Tavern - ‬24 min drive - ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive - ‪Short's Brewing Company - ‬14 min drive - ‪The Dockside - ‬3 min drive - ‪Shanty Creek Resorts - ‬19 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake pet-friendly? > No, pets are not allowed at this property. ### What time is check-in at BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake? > Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake? > Checkout is at 11:00 AM. ### Where is BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake located? > Situated in Alden, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Torch Lake, Clam River and Clam Lake. Lake Bellaire and Torch Lake Park are also within 6 miles (10 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake Reviews 9.8 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 32 8 - Good 4 6 - Okay 1 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 9.8/10 Cleanliness ### 10/10 Amenities ### 10/10 Property conditions & facilities ### 10/10 Eco-friendliness ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ellen C. 14 Jun 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy Wonderful house and location. We had an excellent time at the Birch Cottage and will certainly be returning next year! ##### Ellen C. Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### charity w. 1 Aug 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Girls weekend trip We had a wonderful stay. It was a quiet getaway and was in a great location to have short day trips to beaches and shops and be back at the house for the night. ##### charity w. Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Mike and Leslie W. 22 Aug 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Cute place in a nice location We had a nice stay. It was very clean and close to all that we wanted to do. ##### Mike and Leslie W. Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### James R. A. 8 Jan 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Thayer Lake Cottages Everything was wonderful. Our family was able to stay close to our Thayer Lake home in great accommodations with a fine winter setting. ##### James R. A. Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Karen G. 2 Jun 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Fun family time Our family loved this place as a great gathering spot. It’s very clean and spacious, with ample room for everyone. We also have easy access to Lake Thayer, where we enjoyed kayaking. The hosts were incredibly friendly and helpful, making our experience even better. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a fun and welcoming gathering spot. ##### Karen G. Stayed 5 nights in May 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Shelly B. 22 Jun 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Most relaxing We came for an extended weekend. Everything was close. Very enjoyable/ relaxing time with friends. ##### Shelly B. Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Verified traveller 11 Aug 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Excellent location. Great location for a torch lake stay. Excellent amenities! Host's even had a boat to rent! ##### Verified traveller Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Jody W. 8 Sept 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Alden stay. Quaint Comfortable home, good communication, easy access, nice area, offers much convenience and lake access. ##### Jody W. Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Danyelle R. 26 Jun 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lake stay We had the best time! The property was clean, comfortable and peaceful. We already can’t wait to go back! Thanks so much for your hospitality Rachael ❤️ ##### Danyelle R. Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Bree P. 18 Aug 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely cottage Very spacious and clean. Comfy beds and pillows. Grounds are very well kept. Enjoyed using the kayaks. Highly recommend! ##### Bree P. Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Rowaida 6 Oct 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication We stayed here over the summer on a mothers and daughters trip! I can's say enough amazing things about this place and its host. Very clean, great location, comfy beds!!! Thank you!! we'll be back ##### Rowaida Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Dawn B. 30 Jun 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Girls trip We had so much fun in this adorable fully refurbished home. Beautiful yard, cute fire pit out back. We even rented their amazing and brand new boat to go out on Torch Lake. ##### Dawn B. Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Teri R. 18 Aug 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Birch cottage Beautiful home! Perfect location! Our family had a great time fishing on Thayer Lake using the provided boats and Kayaks. The only problem is we wish we would have stayed longer! ##### Teri R. Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Joshua D. 2 Aug 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Fantastic Stay! This property is fantastic! Access to Thayer lake and public access to Torch right up the road. The perfect spot if you want to enjoy time on Torch Lake and do a little fishing at Thayer Lake. The house was very clean and had everything we needed to cook throughout the week. We will definitely be back! ##### Joshua D. Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Kelly B. 15 Sept 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Quiet and relaxing. Close to Torch Lake Took a little family vacation. It was absolutely amazing. Nice and clean house. Sat outside having a bonfire watching the deer come really close to us. Peaceful and relaxing. Bonus it was only 5 minutes to Torch Lake boat launch. We were only there for 3 days. Next year going for a week ##### Kelly B. Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Verified traveller 3 Jul 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Rental on Thayer lake, near Torch Lake 4 teenagers and 2 adults enjoyed a perfect vacation enjoying the beauty of Thayer Lake and Torch lake. Early July was cooler temperatures but having the kayaks available to use was perfect for the lake. House was big enough for sleeping, hanging out with the teens. Plenty of yard space for outdoor games and fires for s’mores. Hosts were great with the house being so clean. Very nice spot! ##### Verified traveller Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Madelyn K. 8 Jul 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Loved this property! This property is renovated beautifully! The location was perfect for what we were looking for to be close to my family’s lake house. There was ample room, the space was very clean, we loved the bonfire pit and the large space to park our boat on the trailer. The home was stocked with anything you’d need in a rental! We didn’t have time to utilize the kayaks, but hopefully next year! We loved our stay, thanks again for the hospitality, Rachael! ##### Madelyn K. Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Amber F. 15 Jun 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great Location! It was a great home, plenty of space for us and we loved the short walk to the lake. The access to the kayaks was wonderful, had a nice fire pit with wood for sale close by. Caught bass, pumpkin seed and blue gill from the lake. Not much boat or kayak traffic this early in the summer either which was nice! Easy drive to torch lake with many arenas to rent boats from and a quick drive to downtown to the small shops. Would stay here again! ##### Amber F. Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Valentina C. 13 Sept 2024 ##### Valentina C. Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024 ## Expedia's Latest Trends ### Hotels > [Maui Coast Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Kihei-Hotels-Maui-Coast-Hotel.h28645.Hotel-Information) > > [Holiday Inn Express & Suites Price by IHG](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Price-Hotels-Holiday-Inn-Express-Suites-Price.h9253345.Hotel-Information) > > [La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Myrtle Beach - N Kings Hwy](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Myrtle-Beach-Hotels-La-Quinta-Inn-Suites-By-Wyndham-Myrtle-Beach-N-Kings-Hwy.h6849.Hotel-Information) > > [Baymont by Wyndham Mishawaka South Bend Area](https://www.expedia.co.uk/South-Bend-Hotels-Baymont-By-Wyndham-Mishawaka-South-Bend-Area.h1976.Hotel-Information) > > [Solterra Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Orlando-Hotels-Solterra-Resort.h18526478.Hotel-Information) > > [Pismo Lighthouse Suites](https://www.expedia.co.uk/San-Luis-Obispo-Hotels-Pismo-Lighthouse-Suites.h10966.Hotel-Information) > > [Fairmont Orchid](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Kamuela-Hotels-Fairmont-Orchid.h25190.Hotel-Information) > > [Aspen Select](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Rochester-Hotels-Aspen-Select.h12245240.Hotel-Information) > > [La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cocoa Beach Oceanfront](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Cocoa-Beach-Hotels-La-Quinta-Inn-Suites-By-Wyndham-Cocoa-Beach-Oceanfront.h894002.Hotel-Information) > > [Hyatt Place Titusville / Kennedy Space Center](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Titusville-Hotels-Hyatt-Place-Titusville-Space-Center.h44354265.Hotel-Information) > > [Holiday Inn Key Largo by IHG](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Key-Largo-Hotels-Holiday-Inn-Key-Largo.h7230.Hotel-Information) > > [Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Montauk-Hotels-Gurneys-Montauk-Resort-Seawater-Spa.h7033726.Hotel-Information) > > [Hotel Marguerite Anaheim/Garden Grove, Trademark Collection by Wyndham](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Garden-Grove-Hotels-Holiday-Inn-Express-Suites-Garden-Grove-Anaheim-South.h917954.Hotel-Information) > > [Comfort Inn & Suites](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Defiance-Hotels-Comfort-Inn-Suites.h200743.Hotel-Information) > > [Anvil Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Jackson-Hole-Hotels-Anvil-Hotel.h894210.Hotel-Information) > > [Yosemite View Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/El-Portal-Hotels-Yosemite-View-Lodge.h576660.Hotel-Information) > > [Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Lake-Geneva-Hotels-Timber-Ridge-Lodge-And-Waterpark.h1043867.Hotel-Information) > > [Yosemite Southgate Hotel & Suites](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Oakhurst-Hotels-Yosemite-Southgate-Hotel-Suites.h3650.Hotel-Information) > > [Wuksachi Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Sequoia-National-Park-Hotels-Wuksachi-Lodge.h893730.Hotel-Information) > > [Cartoon Network Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Lancaster-Hotels-Cartoon-Network-Hotel.h50407269.Hotel-Information) > > [Bayshore Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Traverse-City-Hotels-Bayshore-Resort.h34264.Hotel-Information) > > [Goulding's Lodge](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Monument-Valley-Hotels-Gouldings-Lodge.h11899033.Hotel-Information) > > [Bar N Ranch](https://www.expedia.co.uk/West-Yellowstone-Hotels-Bar-N-Ranch.h11548135.Hotel-Information) > > [Travelodge by Wyndham Winchester](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Winchester-Hotels-Travelodge-By-Wyndham-Winchester.h9600.Hotel-Information) > > [Hyatt Regency Santa Clara](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Santa-Clara-Hotels-Hyatt-Regency-Santa-Clara.h4313.Hotel-Information) > > [Sea Crest Beach Resort](https://www.expedia.co.uk/North-Falmouth-Hotels-Sea-Crest-Beach-Hotel.h25567.Hotel-Information) > > [The View Hotel](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Kayenta-Hotels-The-View-Hotel.h59418009.Hotel-Information) > > [Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Marathon-Hotels-Isla-Bella-Beach-Resort-Spa.h24101706.Hotel-Information) > > [Riviera Resort Palm Springs](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Palm-Springs-Hotels-Margaritaville-Resort-Palm-Springs.h26011.Hotel-Information) > > [Balmoral Resort Florida](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Haines-City-Hotels-Balmoral-Resort-Florida.h19447044.Hotel-Information)